Somatic Bodywork at Centura College-Chesapeake
a smaller institution with 225 students in Chesapeake, VA.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $14,301 place Centura College-Chesapeake below the $20,587 national median for Somatic Bodywork — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 15.0x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Somatic Bodywork programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Somatic Bodywork's career paths, with 27% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 40% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $7,521 represents roughly 6 months of the $14,301 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #217 of 224 Somatic Bodywork programs, Centura College-Chesapeake falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $26,383 show a 84% jump from the $14,301 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.
One registered apprenticeship pathway (Certified Massage Therapist (Cmt) with a median wage of $57,950/yr) connects to Somatic Bodywork careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Somatic Bodywork graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health specialties teachers, postsecondary | $105,620 | +17.3% | 52% |
| Massage therapists | $57,950 | +15.4% | 93% |
About Somatic Bodywork Careers
Your journey often begins as a licensed massage therapist. You'll work in settings from serene spas and wellness centers to busy chiropractic offices, using your hands, oils, and specialized tools to perform techniques like deep tissue and myofascial release. Your days involve client consultations, hands-on therapy, and careful session documentation. As you build a reputation and client base, many practitioners go independent, opening a private studio or a mobile practice for greater control over their schedule and income. This is deeply human, hands-on work that can't be outsourced to AI or done from a laptop.